As a movie critic with a deep appreciation for films that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity, I must say that “Wicked” has truly left me spellbound. The performance of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is nothing short of breathtaking, her portrayal deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a queer Black woman. Her journey mirrors the core themes of the musical, making her the perfect choice to bring this complex character to life.
Last Friday evening, the “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo unexpectedly appeared on stage at the Odeon Leicester Square, her native London theater. As she stepped onto the modest stage, the audience let out a deafening roar that matched the intensity of Elphaba’s most powerful notes.
This tour has been simply extraordinary, and I believe this particular moment is the absolute best, the crowd seemed thrilled to hear,” Erivo expressed. “I wanted to thank you personally for being among the first to witness this film’s premiere.” Keeping her words brief and delightful, she concluded with a nod to one of Elphaba’s most memorable lines from the beloved Broadway show-turned-Universal movie: “Pink and green blend
Without a doubt, the central characters in the movie have taken on a golden hue as “Wicked” has soared to the top spot at the worldwide box office, earning $165 million and setting new records for the largest opening for a film based on a Broadway adaptation and the strongest debut for a non-sequel this year. A significant portion of its success can be traced back to Erivo’s compelling screen partnership with co-star Ariana Grande as they breathed life into Oz’s renowned witches, Elphaba (later known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (later Glinda the Good). The duo skillfully demonstrated their bond while promoting the film across the globe.
However, when contemplating the words of “Defying Gravity,” it’s essential to note that there’s an additional layer beyond just Erivo’s extraordinary vocal abilities. This song resonates more profoundly due to the fact that beneath all that greenery (metaphor for the stage) lies a Black, queer woman.
It’s the kind of distinction that shouldn’t matter, but considering “Wicked” is an allegory for the arbitrary nature of racism and discrimination, there’s something particularly impactful about the character being portrayed by a person of color who is intimately aware of Elphaba’s oppression and her daily battle against it.
In a significant milestone for representation, Cynthia Erivo has taken on the role of Elphaba in a major production of “Wicked,” making her the second Black actress to do so. Previously, Alexia Khadime held that distinction, having played the character full-time during the West End production from 2008-2010 and reprising the role in 2023. However, with the global release of “Wicked,” Erivo’s interpretation is poised to be the version seen by the most viewers thus far.
I’m delighted that this character serves as a heartfelt tribute to those who often feel misunderstood, out of place, or excluded, particularly Black women. It’s my joy to have been the medium for bringing this character into existence for anyone who’s ever felt unwelcomed upon entering a room.
A key enhancement in the movie adaptation of “Wicked” lies in deepening Elphaba’s background, allowing viewers to observe the hardships and ostracization she endured during her childhood, portrayed by 10-year-old Karis Musongole. During the climax of “Defying Gravity,” which marks the powerful conclusion to Part 1, Elphaba encounters her younger self. This moment signifies a turning point as she acknowledges and harnesses the powers she’s always had and learns to fly.
Erivo expressed that her character seems to have been bestowed with an extraordinary purpose – to illustrate that your uniqueness is what truly sets you apart. This means you can surpass all expectations, become everything destined for you, and the journey of discovering this can be challenging, but when achieved, it brings a sense of liberation and beauty.
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Cynthia Erivo expressed her gratitude for being selected to portray Elphaba in a significant production, stating, “I consider it a remarkable blessing to have been given such a captivating role… I’m truly delighted to serve as the vessel that brings this character to life for audiences worldwide.
♬ original sound – EbMaster – EbMaster
Erivo’s relationship to the character’s plight cuts to the core themes of the musical.
In creating the stage production of ‘Wicked’, we knew that we were establishing a world in Oz where one could be anything other than green, as Platt explained when discussing the musical’s development with writer Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz. This is quite arbitrary; you can be anything, look like anything, or be anyone. You can wear whatever you want. However, you cannot be green. We recognized that this concept of prejudice and otherness is a societal construct. The metaphor lies in the contrast between the green girl and the privileged, beautiful blonde girl, and their encounter plays a significant role in the story’s impact.
What particularly touched both him and director Jon M. Chu was when Erivo arrived for the audition, she recounted her personal experience of seeing the musical on her 25th birthday and then demonstrated her stunningly clear soprano voice.
In recalling the moment, Platt stated that she instinctively understood: She had taken on the role. Actors often incorporate aspects of their own lives into their characters, making it challenging to distinguish her personal journey as a queer Black woman who has felt marginalized, excluded, and overlooked, from the character she portrayed.
On set, Platt observed how Erivo’s personal experiences shaped her acting. “A portion of that raw emotion and pain is derived from real-life encounters. And the genuine joy when she believes there might be a chance for involvement – in this case, encountering the Wizard – she portrays it so convincingly.
After securing the part, Erivo initially discussed Elphaba’s appearance with Chu and Platt. Erivo was keen to make sure that Elphaba’s greenness did not overshadow her Black identity.
She mentioned that she didn’t desire to distance herself from Elphaba but instead aimed to bond the two. To make the character more relatable for black women, she incorporated a few significant details such as long manicured nails and an intricate hairstyle featuring microbraids.
Elphaba’s nail style was influenced by Margaret Hamilton, the actress who portrayed the Wicked Witch in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” While studying the role, Erivo discovered a picture of Hamilton with her face in profile and long nails prominently displayed.
Erivo remarked about the photograph, “It captures her face, with a shadow, and she appears to be extending her claws.” Being able to relate this image to my past, present experiences, and embodying Elphaba more fully was incredibly meaningful. These subtle details that bring out Elphaba’s true essence truly resonated with me deeply.
@varietymagazine
Cynthia Erivo explains her approach to creating Elphaba’s appearance in Wicked: “One of my initial concerns was about her hairstyle. I didn’t want to detach myself from Elphaba, but rather bridge the gap between us. The braids served as a subtle tribute to what lay beneath her green exterior.
♬ original sound – EbMaster – EbMaster
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2024-11-26 19:17